About Our Language Access Plan

What is Language Access?

On October 6, 2011, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 26, which directed state agencies to provide language assistance services (translation and interpretation) to people of Limited English Proficiency (LEP). LEP individuals are identified in a Language Access Plan developed by each agency.

Interpretation versus translation:

Interpretation is spoken and translation is written. Affected agencies should provide an interpreter for any language. This service is primarily provided by phone. They should also translate select vital documents into specific languages. The languages are those that agencies identify in their plans as the most widely used by LEP individuals who access their services.

What is considered a vital document?

The U.S. Department of Justice Language Access Assistance Guide states, “vital written documents include, but are not limited to:

consent and complaint forms;

intake and application forms with the potential for important consequences;

한국어 (Korean)

Polski (Polish)

Italiano (Italian)

Chiamare il 1-800-342-3736 per assistenza linguistica gratuita.

Who's making sure this happens?

Each agency has a Language Access Coordinator to oversee the agency's Language Access Plan. The Deputy Secretary of Civil Rights in the Governor's Office will make sure each agency complies with the order.

Agencies also have uniform documents to help people identify the services that are available. Posters, notices, and complaint forms are all the same, so people can easily identify and recognize them.

What if someone does not receive adequate language assistance?

Those who feel that we have not provided adequate interpretation services, or have denied them access to an available translated document, may submit a Language Access Complaint Form to give us their feedback.

Who We Supervise

Institutions That We Supervise

The Department of Financial Services supervises many different types of institutions. Supervision by DFS may entail chartering, licensing, registration requirements, examination, and more.